nocciolo

hazel tree; core, kernel

noun NOHT-choh-loh Rare

Also means

nucleus, nub (figurative)

Usage Note

Nocciolo in the figurative sense means the 'core' or 'heart' of a matter (il nocciolo della questione = 'the crux of the matter'), stressed on the first syllable (nòcciolo). With penultimate stress (nocciòlo) it names the hazel tree (Corylus avellana). Do not confuse with nocciola (f), the hazelnut fruit.

Examples

"Il nocciolo della questione è semplice."

Natural Translation

The core of the matter is simple.

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